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Monday, April 22, 2013

Killing Christians--The New Lions

It is well documented that during the early Christian era, the Romans did a big business in mass slaughter by and of animals.

It is also well documented that the Romans executed prisoners using animals, sentencing prisoners--ad bestias, "to the beasts."

The beasts included dogs, bears, boars and yes, lions.

During that time, thousands of Christians were executed because of their Christian beliefs. While it has been argued that Christians were not fed to the lions, there is a memorial at the Roman Coliseum in honor of those Christians who were killed by lions.

And Ignatius, the bishop of Antioch, wrote letters back to the Christians en route to his own execution, saying once he reached Rome he expected to be "thrown to the beasts." As it turned out, they killed him with a sword.

But how the Christians were actually killed is not my point. My point is that they were killed. And they were killed because of what they believed---they had identified with Christ and biblical truth.

A couple of thousand years later, the killing continues. In third world countries, Christians regularly give up their lives for their faith. I've been with those who have lost family members for the cause of Christ, in Africa and elsewhere.

Here in America we are more sophisticated. The killing events have moved from the Coliseum to the courtroom. And it is becoming a cultural event, replete with spectators and cheerleaders.

This killing is conducted with a sense of self righteousness and social justice. While there is an air of sport about it, there is equally an air of administering justice. Of righting wrongs. Of redefining what is right and wrong.

And the secular press is giving the spectators the play-by-play from the 'home team" point of view.

Here's how it works:

Phyliss Young owns an in-home bed and breakfast in Hawaii. Back in 2007, Diane Cerville and her partner from Long Beach, Ca. sued Young for denying them a room in her home because of their homosexual relationship.

She explained to them that her religious beliefs did not allow her to rent rooms in her home to people in a homosexual relationship. She said it would be a violation of her conscience.

This month, a Hawaii judge has ruled that the Christian woman broke the law when she declined to rent a bed to the lesbians.

The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission is applauding the court's ruling saying, "When visitors or residents are subjected to discrimination, they suffer the sting of indignity, humiliation and outrage."

The amount of the fine has not yet been assessed.

There's a similar case in Vermont. A Catholic couple was forced to pay $30,000 in damages to two homosexual women after refusing to host their "wedding" reception at their Inn.

The State of Maine, which legalized same-sex "marriage" last November, recently informed its 25,000 registered notaries public that refusal to perform same-sex "marriage" ceremonies will result in being charged with "human rights violations."

A husband and wife team who own "Elane Photography" in New Mexico have been found guilty of refusing to shoot a same-sex "wedding". They declined because of their personal religious beliefs and said it would be in violation of their conscience.

The court dismissed the argument that compelling the owners of the company to photograph same-sex "weddings" would constitute a violation of freedom of religion. The state said the "burden on freedom of religion experienced by Elane Photography was unclear."

ADF Counsel Jordon Lorence raises an excellent point on this case. He says, "Americans in the marketplace should not be subjected to legal attacks for simply abiding by their beliefs."

Then he asks, "Should the government force a videographer who is an animal rights activist to create a video promoting hunting and taxidermy?"

The government, it seems, views the Christian conscience differently than that of an animal rights activist.

And why does the government always rise to the offense of a single person who is offended by some religious expression when their action denies the rights of those who may hold those views?

The government has issued a judgement against the owners of Elane Photography for discrimination. They are charging them $6,637.94. And New Mexico doesn't even have legalized same-sex "marriage."

A New Jersey high school teacher, Vikki Knox, came under investigation two years ago after she posted a message on her private Facebook page that she opposed homosexuality because of her Christian faith.

She said based on her biblical beliefs, homosexuality is "sin" and is "perverted." Although this is very basic biblical teaching, the lions have pounced.

Her husband, Gene Knox, told WCBS TV at that time, "They can persecute her, but they can't prosecute her," saying everyone is entitled to an opinion.

You would think that would be true in the most free country on earth. One founded by Christians upon the Christian beliefs.

At another time that was true, however, that is not necessarily true today in regard to Christian beliefs.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christy weighed in on the issue saying he found Knox's comments "disturbing."

"I'm really concerned about those kinds of statements being made," said the Republican Governor.

In the end, Knox was forced to resign after a lifetime of teaching.

The current list of specific attacks on Christians in regard to their right to act on their conscience and religious beliefs is much longer, but you get the point.

A local story in Richland, Washington continues to create more and more press coverage.

I wrote a blog about this last Wednesday, April 17. In the last week, the story has become a national story.

There are those who are soliciting funds on behalf of Arlene's Flowers and Gifts. Given the history of some who are doing so, I strongly recommend you send the money directly to Barronnelle Stutzman, the owner of the store.

I spoke with her personally and she told me she has set up a fund and would much prefer the funds coming directly to her. You may send money to Arlene's Defense Fund, 1177 Lee Blvd., Richland Washington, 99352 or make a donation at any Key Bank branch.

The Seattle Times has now published a story on the matter titled, "How Plan For Simple Gay Wedding Is Shaking Up Lives."

The story establishes that the two homosexual men were long time customers of the store, they have apparently "spent thousands of dollars over the years" on flowers, etc.

Josh Friedes with Equal Rights Washington says these kinds of incidences have happened very rarely over the past decade since same-sex unions have been legalized.

That may be true early in the past decade, but as we have documented, in the past few years it is becoming a trend. A sport of sorts.

This story also casts the two homosexual men as nearly uninvolved---innocent by-standers to the attack on Arlene's Flowers.

The Washington State Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, has filed suit against her and the ACLU is threatening to sue her unless she publicly apologizes and makes a $5000 donation to a local homosexual advocacy group---Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender (LGBT).

What are the charges against her?

Stutzman has said publicly and she told me personally that she doesn't hate homosexuals. She says her relationship with Jesus Christ does not allow her to participate in the event.

She posted on her Facebook page: "I believe, biblically, that marriage is between a man and a woman. That is my conviction. Yours may be different."

And a culture driven by some of the same motivations that drove the Roman Empire are throwing her to the beasts.

"ad bestias".

This is a time when Christians must come together. We are at a dangerous intersection where political correctness, so-called tolerance, equality and fairness are being used to undermine the freedoms we have come to take for granted---particularly freedoms that relate to the practice of biblical Christianity.

We have crossed the threshold were a person can be both "persecuted" and "prosecuted" for their biblical beliefs.

Its time to awaken from the slumber of denial.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

21 comments:

As long as pastors and priests preach Kool-aid pacifism, they and their congregations will be fed to the beasts. Saddle up or lose the ranch.

“Brethren, our preaching will bear its legitimate fruits. If immorality prevails in the land, the fault is ours in a great degree. If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discrimination, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the Church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in religion, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it. Let us not ignore this fact, my dear brethren; but let us lay it to heart, and be thoroughly awake to our responsibility in respect to the morals of this nation.” Charles G. Finney, Power From On High, Chapter 11 (c. 1871-1874)

The "BEAST" is loose in America. Thank you Gary for your continued vigilance against the evils of our society. Although our state is one of the most unchurched, we need to take our stand for God and righteousness. Let's continue to get the word out and let people know what they can do to help. Dennis - Lakewood, WA

This harassment of the owner of Arlene's Gifts and Flowers because she insists on operating her business as she sees fit, and according to her own conscience is a major disgrace. It is an example of flinging around the concepts of justice and equality without regard for Biblical truth. The resultant distortion endangers our once free and vibrant society to its very core.

Again: Why should Christians have a special right to discriminate against others in the public sphere when the rest of us do not?

It is illegal to deny Christians service because of their Christian faith. A gay/atheist/Muslim florist\photographer is required by law to provide services (flowers, photography, etc.) to all Christian customers no matter what their personal beliefs are about Christians.

So, then why do Christians insist on using their faith as a reason to discriminate against others?

well many of the good Christians discriminate they hire illegal criminals that come to our country illegally..gay people come the same way straight people do..so they are gods children..they didn't choose to be that way..most of them good Christians follow satan,,,Lucifer...most Christians are criminals in one way or another

Good questions . For hundreds of years Christians and other major religions have been allowed to participate in this great country , and I would suggest like homosexuals , Christians have also died , bled ,sacrificed for their country as homosexuals . Also have helped clothe , feed , and take care of the less fortunate ,supported hospitals and charities of all kinds . Including helping Homosexuals .

At one time the Judea Christian Ethic was even the cultural norm . Marriage to thBiblicallyly religious is a Covenanordaineded by God . Yes to discriminate for all of us to look upon what was best for oufamilieses . Just like to discriminate against walking in the middleordained by God is what religious Muslims , Christians and Jews believe. . Witht he law changed it is now expanded for others , but that Covenant is still important to others . You chose to discriminate against religious beliefs as did the legislature and not alloexceptionsns . Perhaps could have lived side by side , but that is not possible with the progressive secular understanding .

You have no compassion for the Florist ? Interestingly I can understand somewhat the hurt of the homosexuals . The feelings ofnot being respected , in fact being seen less then . Also they had a 9 year relationship of business transactions While the Florist from I know was quite in a lousy space hersspirituallyally I am sure , she hurt a committed customer , .Do you actually think she is doing this to be popular among others . She is seen as a bigot by the mainstream media . You think Christians do not know this ?

So they hugged and left . The homosexuals left got the ACLU and the AG . Or perhaps they came to them . But God is not mentioned in public schools , Faith is any public space is tax payer prohibited, kids learn about homosexuals and their equality all the time .betweenl practice betwen same sexes ilegallyconsidered legaly unable to be discriminated against . Sure you want to possible re think your concept of discrimination . Most likel not , like all of us i bet you feel your plate is full as it is.

Does not answer , your question , but I feel discriminated against by you .In the papers i read about the person of faith is compared to when blacks were denied a place at the dining table, in schools Christianity or the concepts are not taught , the mocking of takesfs tajes place out in the open as any honest person of todays Colleges will tell you this. Evolution is useattemptn attemt to embarrass religious believers, have seen books written about the texts in the Bible that can be taken to make God look like a moral monster , a bully , a mad man . Believers are mocked for believing in FAIRY TALES openly all the time . A Crucifix long ago dippep in urine made the artist rich . Davinci Codtemptationempation of Christ , Plays about a homosexual Jesus , the Discovery Chanel had a show a couple of years ago about finding the bones of Jesus ChriskiddingYou kiding me , you think homosexuals get this knd of crap from the main stream media , arts , academia ?

I do believe many Christians are in denial about what is happening in our country. Not many are as straight forward with the a biblical message as you, Gary. May God bless you and provide for the needs of this ministry. I am standing strong with you.

You may wish to read about the existence of the 7 sacraments that Ignatius, the bishop of Antioch also wrote about to the Christians on his journey to Rome.

At that time the Bible as we know it today was not assembled but the 7 sacraments were being practiced as they are today. This was also true for the Church that St Thomas founded in India. Why are most Christian Churches not practicing them today?

Gary, Christians will not be persecuted for their beliefs. Rather they will only be persecuted for their actions. As long as Christians keep their beliefs bottled up inside their heads they will have no problems even though doing so makes their faith useless.

We are told to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's. Our government and culture levies a tax of vigorous involvement for maintenance of our culture. Christians have abrogated their responsibility to pay this tax and things are turning toxic.

Christians have a choice. They can pay the price to be at the table helping to direct or culture and government. Since we have not been at the table we are finding ourself on the menu.

Behavior is a chosen trait.I may be born a different race, but my behaviors will mark my path, I may be born a man or woman, but my behaviors will mark my path, etc.If we chose to live life by deviant behaviors, others should show discernment (big difference from discrimination, hope you learn this) and avoid me and my innapropriate behaviors.

No she is being sued because she is refusing to do business with someone who has different beliefs, in this case about marriage equality.

As was printed out earlier, you can imagine the caterwauling that would commence if a bed and breakfast owner refused to allow Christians to stay there because they might pray at the dinner table. Refusing to do business with someone because of their religious beliefs and them acting on them, whether it be having two people of the same sex getting married at the altar or people praying at the table, is wrong, simple as that.

Of course real Christians know that its none of their business and no reason to avoid them, Jesus and his disciples associated with the much hated Samaritans and Paul specifically said it was ok to do business with people 'of this world', whatever their sins might be they are God's concern.

But then getting all riled up and the guilty pleasure it provides is the real bottom line here. Nothing more fun than feeling that your right and everyone else is wrong is there?

Religious discrimination by a business to a customer is immoral, unChristian, and illegal here in Washington state. That your church and beliefs are such that you wouldn't have a same sex spouse doesn't mean you can refuse to do business with someone who's religion and beliefs says its just fine.